When he didn’t reply readily, she continued. “Although I must say it’s less of a challenge for me since you are less disposed to conversation than I. In that way, I must forfeit that your ability to rendermespeechless is a greater feat.”
“Yes, since you rarely give me the opportunity to get a word in edgewise,” he interrupted. “But I must defend myself.”
“Oh? From what have I accused you that wasn’t founded in some truth?”
He grinned, adding a mischievous light to his expression and rendering her with a fast heartbeat in response. She had the satisfaction of achieving the goal of provoking a smile, and it was a worthy endeavor, one she decided needed to be repeated as often as possible.
“A great many things, but for the sake of time, I’ll merely address one.”
“It seems I have many sins to atone for,” she added.
“And a great many more I’m sure you’ll commit,” he replied, with a slight exasperation to his tone. “But I digress. You accused me of putting on airs to appear as if I’m of higher importance than those around me, specifically Lord Westhouse.” He said the name with a venom in his tone before continuing. “To add insult, you compared me with a useless bird.”
“A peacock, specifically,” she couldn’t stop herself from adding.
“Yes.” He arched a brow. “I have no use for the man, and I know my admittance of this truth will not shock you as you are already fully aware. He’s a wastrel and has abused far too many women to be called a gentleman, even in the loosest terms. I don’t make a habit of disparaging a peer of the realm, but my acquaintance with him is far too long lasting and his character is deeply rooted in neglect of the most basic principles of morality.”
“And you’re such a paragon of morality yourself? That makes you a proper judge?” she asked, raising a brow.
He paused. “No. I’m not in any position to point a moral finger in one direction that doesn’t also point in mine; however, you would be wise to listen to my words.”
“But, my lord.” She released a tight breath, weary of the tide of conversation. Yet she was far more willing to give such accusations merit coming from Lord Sterling. With his aversion to scandal and his proper behavior, he would be overly sensitive to weaknesses in moral fabric, not that the viscount would not, but somehow the words coming from Lord Sterling affected her differently. She shoved the thoughts aside to address the current thought that must be voiced. “My lord, you are addressing the character of a man no longer present. You’ve yet to answer for yourself in defense of the original reason you found offense.”
He frowned. “Not so easily deterred, are you?”
“I’ve been called worse than persistent.”
At this he chuckled, and the dance came to an end. “So have I, Miss Grace. A peacock being one,” he added as he led her back to the viscount. After a quick bow he took his leave.
Her gaze lingered on his back, and an anticipation welled within her.
It was one thing to be attracted to a man.
But to find a worthy opponent in dialogue? It was priceless.
And she was quite certain that Lord Sterling was such a treasure.
But she was equally certain he hadn’t a clue.
It would be fun to enlighten him . . . and hopefully she’d earn another shocked expression.
As the evening ended, and she finally found herself in bed, her thoughts lingered not on Lord Westhouse, but on Lord Sterling.
And if she had the energy, she would have asked herself why. But exhausted, all she could do was willingly fall asleep thinking of the next time she’d be able to test his wit.
